A cast of 22 young actors from Dalton Little Theatre's Youth Ensemble Theatre will bring to life L.M. Montgomery's classic novel, "Anne of Green Gables," this weekend, March 7-9.

The story is set in motion when middle-age siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert decide to adopt a boy from the orphanage to help Matthew run their farm. Through a misunderstanding, the orphanage sends Anne Shirley.

Morgan Hurlock plays the title role of the hot-headed, energetic 11-year-old who gives the family and the townfolk more than they bargained for, ultimately transforming the stodgy, rural community into a bright world of "kindred spirits."

The Joseph Robinette stage adaptation of the comedy/drama re-creates the memorable events and characters from the 1908 novel, including Anne's friendship with Diana, her feuds with Gilbert, her adoration of Matthew, the mistaken wine bottle, the cake disaster, the broken leg, the scholastic achievements and the saving of Green Gables.

Co-directors Renae Duckworth and Karen Webb are dedicating the production to Gertrude "Tut" McFarland, a retired Dalton schoolteacher and longtime DLT member. In a news release, they said they chose the show after talking with McFarland at last summer's YET awards banquet, named the Tut Awards for McFarland's years of contribution to children's education and drama.